Society for Promoting Participative Ecosystem Management (SOPPECOM), Pune, on behalf of Forum for Policy Dialogue on Water Conflicts in India (Forum to be brief), is looking for a Fellow and Research Associate to work on water conflicts.

SOPPECOM is a voluntary, non-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act and its primary objective is to promote and help the rural population, especially those who are dependent on their immediate ecosystem resources like land, water and biomass resources for their livelihoods, in the self-management of these resources as part of a wider process of equitable and sustainable development. In furtherance of this objective, SOPPECOM carries out research and advocacy, lends technical and knowledge support and also carries out pilot studies and action research. Presently SOPPECOM is anchoring the project activities of the Forum for Policy Dialogue on Water Conflicts in India (for details see www.soppecom.org; http://conflicts.indiawaterportal.org; www.waterconflictforum.org).

Present focus of Forum’s work

Presently the Forum is in its third phase of work. The work of the present phase is primarily grouped into two: core activities and thematic activities. The core activities include research and documentation, training, dissemination and outreach and policy dialogue. Under the thematic work the four themes of right to water and sanitation, environmental flows, agricultural and industrial water use and groundwater are included. 

Role and work expectation

The work would involve research and writing, networking and coordination, training, dissemination and outreach and also policy level work. A certain portion of the time would also go into routine administrative work. The Fellow and the research Associate are expected to contribute to all these activities at different levels.  

Expected qualifications

The Fellow is expected to have:

• M. Phil./PhD in a relevant discipline (preferably social sciences, social work, law) or a Post Graduate degree in a relevant discipline with 4-5 years of experience
• Three to four years of experience in research and/or in policy advocacy
• Proficiency in English and Hindi
• Capable of independent writing in English
• Publications in peer reviewed journals

The Research Associate is expected to have:

· M. Phil./Post Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (preferably social sciences, social work, law)

• One or two years of experience in research and/or in policy advocacy
• Proficiency in English and Hindi
• Capable of independent writing in English

In the case of both Fellow and Research Associate, candidates with previous experience and/or background in the Water Sector will be preferred.

Remuneration and location

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualification, experience and capability.

Both the Fellow and the Research Associate would be located in Pune (SOPPECOM office). Both the posts would involve certain amount of travel within India.

To apply

Interested candidates please send your application along with 1) CV (that also mentions the names of two referees), 2) a short write up (about 500 words) summarising your relevant expertise and experience and also the motivation for applying for this post, and 3) one or two published articles to K. J. Joy (Email: waterconflictforum@gmail.com).

In the application letter kindly mention the post you are applying for. Also, please send the application and other documents in soft form only. The last date to receive  applications is 25 September 2013.

Shortlisted candidates would be called to Pune for an interview with the selection committee.

K. J. Joy

(For SOPPECOM/Forum)